What it means to identify as Agnostic
Being an agnostic is becoming more and more common. People are waking up, as our friend Sam Harris might say. They are getting closer and closer to a realization that they're actually not certain God exists. They're growing more skeptical, especially as religious scandals like that of George Pell continue to be surface. Agnostics are, well, sort of like atheists, but there are some key differences. Let's dig in.
What does it mean to be agnostic?
An agnostic is essentially someone who does not follow a specific religion, but is relatively open-minded about the possible exitence of a supernatrual being like god. Agnostics tend not to claim whether or not god exists.
So where exactly did we get the word from?
Origin of the word
The term "agnostic" appeared in the 19th century from a man named Thomas Huxley, a biologist, speaker, and philosopher, and great supporter of Charles Darwin's "Origin of Species".
Who identifies as agnostic?
Studies have found that globally over 450-500 million people identify as either an atheist or agnostic. The exact numbers can be tough to asses, since agnostics are often counted along with atheist and non-religious groups. Furthermore, there are said to be a vast number of "religious" people who simply do not believe, but are pressured to by either their family, lifestyle, or simply out of fear of leaving the Church.
A 2010 survey from Encyclopædia Britannica found that almost 10% of the world's population as non-religious or agnostic. [1]
The Financial Times, back in 2006, polled the rate of agnosticism and found some staggering numbers [2]. Hopefully by 2024 these numbers will be dramatically higher.
| Country | Rate of agnosticism |
|---|---|
| United States | 14% |
| Germany | 25% |
| Italy | 20% |
| Spain | 30% |
| Great Britain | 35% |
| France | 32% |
Sources
- "Religion: Year in Review 2010: Worldwide Adherents of All Religions". Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica Inc. Archived from the original on July 2, 2014. Retrieved November 21, 2013.
- "Religious Views and Beliefs Vary Greatly by Country, According to the Latest Financial Times/Harris Poll". Financial Times/Harris Interactive. December 20, 2006. Archived from the original on July 23, 2013. Retrieved April 9, 2011.